“I told Ranocchia that he would score but did not expect a goal from outside the box” — FedeNerazzurra

“We’re improving again and making fewer silly mistakes. The team is heading in the right direction but we need to keep the required standard in mind. At times, we play below our potential and struggle to show our individual and collective abilities out on the pitch.”

That was Luciano Spalletti speaking to Inter TV after a quick and painless 4-0 win over Rapid Vienna in the Europa League round of 32.

“We used our heads well and read the key moments of the match in the right way. We came out with a good performance, our players showed professionalism and the right mentality. We took the lead early on and this allowed us to manage how the game played out. In the first half, we could have done better but we never lost our balance and we were able to do better in the second half.

“Ranocchia? I told him he would score. But I expected a header, not a goal from outside the box (he says smiling). It was a striker’s finish. The draw? There are four or five teams that are stronger on paper, but if we want to go all the way we’re going to have to face such sides.”